Dreaming of your very own RC race track but don’t have access to a large track?
No problemo!
Setting up a backyard RC race track is easier than you think and brings the thrill of competition right to your back doorstep.
Whether you’re a seasoned RC racer or just looking to have some fun with friends and family, here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a backyard track that’s both challenging and fun (even ‘funner’ if you win).
1. Plan Your Space
The first step is to evaluate the available space in your backyard. Don’t worry if your yard isn’t huge—you can design a smaller track that’s still fun and exciting.
• Track Shape: Choose a layout that suits your space. Some common designs include:
• Oval: Simple and perfect for high-speed racing.
• Figure-8: Adds crossing traffic and more excitement.
• Winding Circuit: Great for testing driving skills with sharp turns and straights.
• Dimensions: A smaller track might be 20×10 feet, while a larger one can go up to 50×30 feet. Keep your car’s scale in mind (e.g., 1/10th scale will need more space than 1/18th).
Pro Tip: If you have limited space, focus on making the track technical rather than fast. Tight corners and obstacles can be more fun than long straights when space is an issue.
2. Map Out Your Track
Once you’ve decided on a track layout, use something like chalk, spray paint, or garden hoses to mark the boundaries of the track.
This temporary layout will give you a feel for how the cars will navigate the space and help you make adjustments before committing to a more permanent setup.
• Turn Radii: Ensure that your turns are wide enough for your RC car to navigate, but tight enough to present a challenge. A good rule of thumb is to have turns that are at least 1.5 times the car’s length.
• Track Width: Typically, 3 to 5 feet wide is a good starting point. This gives enough room for cars to pass each other while still feeling competitive.
3. Prepare the Surface
RC cars perform differently depending on the surface, so you’ll want to tailor your track to match the type of racing you prefer.
• Dirt Track: Ideal for off-road RC cars. Clear the area of rocks and debris, and consider using a rake or shovel to smooth out the surface. You can also add water to compact the dirt for a firmer track.
• Grass Track: If you’re racing on grass, make sure it’s trimmed short and even. Keep in mind that some RC cars may struggle with traction on wet grass.
• Gravel Track: For a real off-road feel, gravel can add a rugged challenge. Be sure the gravel isn’t too thick, or it may bog down the cars.
• Paved Track: For those who prefer on-road racing, using a concrete driveway or patio can provide the smooth surface needed for high speeds.
Pro Tip: You can create mixed-terrain tracks for a blend of speed and technical difficulty, adding variety to your backyard races.
4. Add Obstacles and Features
To make your track more exciting, consider adding some obstacles or features that will challenge the drivers.
This can be as simple or as elaborate as you want!!!
• Jumps: Build ramps out of plywood, bricks, or packed dirt for an extra element of excitement. Make sure they’re secure and smooth to avoid damaging the cars.
• Chicanes: Add sharp, zig-zag corners to force racers to slow down and show off their control.
• Bridges: If you’re feeling ambitious, create an elevated section for the cars to race over. Use wood or sturdy plastic for the bridge, ensuring that it’s stable.
• Banked Turns: Build up the sides of your turns with dirt or wood to allow for higher-speed cornering.
5. Mark Your Track
To give the track a professional look and to help racers stay on course, add barriers and markers along the edges of the track.
• PVC Pipes: Lay down PVC pipes along the track’s edge to prevent cars from going off course. They’re durable and can be easily repositioned.
• Cones or Flags: Use small cones or flags to mark important points on the track, like start/finish lines, lap counters, or apexes of corners.
• Tires: Old tires can be used to outline turns and corners, adding a real racetrack vibe.
Pro Tip: Paint your track lines with temporary field marking paint for a more polished look.
6. Create a Start/Finish Line
Every race needs a clear start and finish line. Use a strip of white paint, tape, or rope to mark these points.
If you want to get creative, you can even add a “pit lane” where cars can pull over for battery changes or quick repairs.
7. Set Up Timing and Scoring (Optional)
If you’re going to make this a regular thing or host multiple races, you may want to set up a timing and scoring system.
• Lap Counting: A simple way to count laps is to have someone manually keep track. For a more advanced setup, you can use timing apps or systems that work with transponders attached to the RC cars.
• Race Timer: Use a stopwatch or a dedicated RC racing app to time the races and see who can set the fastest lap time.
8. Safety First
Make sure the track is safe for both racers and spectators. Cars can hit surprising speeds, so keep a safe distance from the track’s edge, and if you’re running electric cars, make sure batteries are properly secured and maintained.
9. Race Time!
Once your track is ready, gather your friends, family, or local RC community for race day.
Decide on race formats—such as time trials, head-to-head races, or endurance races—and have fun! We do have a cool FREE RC Racing tracker here that you can use for this! Check it out!


• Pro Tip: To mix things up, try a “relay race” where teams of two switch drivers mid-race for some added variety and teamwork.
10. Post-Race Maintenance
After a day of hard racing, don’t forget to clean up the track and maintain the cars. Remove any debris, smooth out the surface if needed, and check your cars for wear and tear before storing them for the next race.
Let’s RACE!!!
With a little planning and creativity, you can turn your backyard into an epic RC race track.
Whether you’re racing for fun or competition, setting up your own course allows you to customize the experience to your liking.
Ready to get started?
Gather your gear, map out the space, and bring the thrill of RC racing to your own backyard!